MadMustGo

Voices Under Threat.

In a free society, the right to express ideas and opinions without fear of government censorship is fundamental. The proposed Communications Legislation Amendment (Combating Misinformation and Disinformation) Bill 2024 (MAD Bill) risks stifling open dialogue and preventing Australians from accessing diverse viewpoints. We must protect the integrity of what we can say, what we can share, and what we choose to believe.

CENSORSHIP IS THE TOOL USED
WHEN THE LIE LOSES ITS POWER.

The MAD Bill threatens to change the landscape of what we can say online by giving the government unprecedented authority to control what information is allowed to circulate online. But the government won’t police online comments itself, through its regulator ACMA it will have the digital platforms enforce censor online discourse through industry codes.

Under this MAD Bill, government-approved media outlets may continue to operate freely, while independent voices—journalists, commentators, and everyday Australians who question or challenge official narratives—will be silenced.

In a healthy democracy, diverse opinions and independent reporting are vital for holding power to account. The MAD Bill risks shutting down those who offer alternative perspectives or critical analysis, making space only for government-sanctioned 'truth.' When only approved voices are allowed to speak, the public loses access to the full picture—essential for informed decision-making.

The MAD Bill proposes heavy restrictions on platforms to police individuals deemed to be spreading so-called 'mis and dis-information': terms that have in this version of the MAD Bill been brought into closer alignment with industry and requires misinformation to be “reasonably verifiable as false, misleading or deceptive” but are still subjective and open to interpretation.

This leaves room for legitimate dissent to be swept aside, with the government, platforms and a select few media outlets determining what is acceptable discourse.

So just what kind of serious harm is the government aiming to protect you from:

Flak being directed to the operation or integrity of all branches of government
Grief being shown towards public health including public health measures
Questioning confidence in the banking system and financial markets

These definitions of serious harm read like the MAD Bill’s trying to protect the government from criticism. It is clear that the MAD Bill is a political tool to advance government objectives and quash dissent!

So where’s this all coming from? Globally there is enormous pressure to throttle information that questions the narrative. In the World Health Organisation’s 2024 International Health Regulations, Australia is required by 1 June 2025 to “develop, strengthen and maintain core capacities . . . in relation to . . . risk communication, including addressing misinformation and disinformation.” (Annex 1, A.2.c.(vi))

Where “addressing” means censoring and punishing those who have offered diverging opinions: cue the MAD Bill.

Other countries around the world have proposed similar MAD Bills.

We cannot afford to lose the independent voices that investigate, challenge, and report on issues that matter to Australians. Stand up for free speech, protect your online voices and defend your right to speak.

Our Voice, Our Say: Stand Up for Democracy.

Demand Representation. Hold Our Leaders Accountable. Your Voice is Crucial.

Both (Sign up to both Petitions Letter 1 and Letter 2)

House of Representatives Petition (Letter 1̉)

Senate Petition (Letter 2)

Full Name:

Signature (email address):

Address:

State:

I am a citizen or resident of Australia.

Letter 1: to the House of Representatives

To the Honourable Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives

We, the undersigned, submit this petition as a formal rejection of the Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. This Bill, in its current form, threatens the core of what it means to be Australian—our ability to speak freely, question authority, and share ideas without fear of government censorship.

The Danger to Everyday Australians

This Bill doesn't just target public figures or large platforms: it affects every Australian. From the parent sharing their concerns on social media to the independent journalist shining a light on government actions—everyone's voice is at risk. By giving vague and unchecked power to authorities, this Bill could suppress the voices of ordinary citizens, leaving us vulnerable to a future where speaking out comes at a cost.

Protect Our Future, Our Democracy

Freedom of speech is not just a right—it's the beating heart of democracy. Without it, we risk losing the very foundation of what makes Australia a country where people are free to think, debate, and engage in civic life. This Bill threatens the future of our children and grandchildren, who may inherit a society where questioning the status quo is no longer allowed.

Call to Action

We urge the Senate Standing Committee to recommend the full rejection of this Bill. This is more than just protecting free speech for today—it’s about ensuring that future generations inherit a country where their voices matter, where their thoughts and ideas are valued, and where the government serves the people, not controls them.

The freedom to speak, to question, and to be heard must be safeguarded—not eroded.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Letter 2: To the Senate

TO THE HONOURABLE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE SENATE